Rookie Sensation De La Cruz Hits for Cycle, Votto Delivers Game-Deciding Homers as Reds Edge Braves 11-10

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The Cincinnati Reds saw their rookie sensation Elly De La Cruz hit for the cycle, while Joey Votto delivered game-tying and winning home runs, aiding the Reds in their 12th straight win with an exhilarating 11-10 triumph over the Atlanta Braves on Friday night.

This high-octane face-off between National League division leaders saw the Reds rally from a 5-0 disadvantage early on, consequently bringing an end to Atlanta’s eight-game win streak.

This winning streak by the Reds is currently tied for the second-best in their franchise history, equivalent to the 1939 and 1957 teams’ records, marking the longest since 1900.

De La Cruz marked a significant milestone becoming the first Cincinnati player in over three decades to hit for the cycle, culminating in the sixth inning with a triple that led to his four RBIs.

This achievement was only the seventh in Reds’ history, and fifth since 1900. The last time a Reds player managed this feat was Eric Davis, who did so against San Diego on June 2, 1989.

In an intriguing coincidence, De La Cruz dons the same No. 44 jersey as Davis did. He expressed his joy and honour in an interview, stating his excitement about sharing the jersey number with a legend like Davis and being the first since him to achieve such a feat.

MLB Highlights:

• Pirates promote infield prospect Nick Gonzales, the 7th overall draft pick of 2020.
• The Angels acquire veteran infielder Eduardo Escobar from the Mets, trading 2 minor league pitchers.
• Conforto’s 4-run contribution helps the Giants secure an 8-5 win over the Diamondbacks.
• The Megill brothers, Trevor and Tylor, have been sent down to the minors on successive days.

A jubilant crowd of 43,086 at the Great American Ball Park chanted “Elly! Elly!” to celebrate the impressive performance, marking a significant contrast to the record low attendance of 7,375 recorded in April.

Reds’ manager, David Bell, commended both teams for their exceptional performances and praised the charged atmosphere of the ballpark.

Despite a rough start with the Braves leading by five runs in the first inning, the Reds fought back. They resisted two home runs by Matt Olson and others from Travis d’Arnaud, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Austin Riley to secure their 27th comeback win this season, marking a major league record.

Alex Young (3-0) of the Reds managed two outs for the win, while Alexis Díaz secured a hitless ninth inning, marking his 21st save in as many tries. Collin McHugh (3-1) of the Braves accepted the loss.

Votto’s return to the field after an injury was memorable, with him securing his 19th career multi-homer game, tying the score in the fourth and then pushing the Reds to a 9-7 lead in the fifth with his three-run shot.

Jake Fraley, De La Cruz, and Votto hit home runs off rookie starter AJ Smith-Shawver of the Braves, who failed to retain a 5-0 lead.

Both teams’ pitchers, Weaver of the Reds and Smith-Shawver of the Braves, had their struggles. Weaver lasted only 3 1/3 innings, giving up seven hits and five runs, while Smith-Shawver also gave up five runs over 3 1/3 innings.

The Reds released outfielder Wil Myers, an 11-year veteran, who had been sidelined with a

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More about Cincinnati Reds’ Victory

• Cincinnati Reds Official Site
• Major League Baseball (MLB) Official Site
• Atlanta Braves Official Site
• Joey Votto’s Player Profile
• Elly De La Cruz’s Player Profile
• History of Cincinnati Reds